MLL Florida Launch

Florida Launch Fall 12-8 at Chesapeake in First Road Game

Published on April 30, 2016 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Florida Launch News Release


Florida Launch vs. the Chesapeake Bayhawks
Florida Launch vs. the Chesapeake Bayhawks
(Florida Launch)

The Florida Launch on Saturday night fell 12-8 on the road to the Chesapeake Bayhawks at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Despite a close battle for much of the game, the Launch are now 0-2 in the 2016 MLL season. Florida's scoring was evenly distributed with Connor Buczek, Kieran McArdle, and Nikko Pontrello all notching 2 goals. Casey Powell recorded 3 assists. Meanwhile, Chesapeake was led by Matt Abbott with 6 points.

Florida took an early lead with Nikko Pontrello and Connor Buczek scoring one each. However, a Launch penalty gave The Bayhawks a man-up opportunity late in the quarter to which they answered with two goals to even the score at 2-2.

The Bayhawks rattled off three goals to restart play, leaving the Launch scoreless for much of the second quarter. A Chesapeake penalty gave the Launch an advantage to end the scoring run. Steven Brooks scored late in the half with a long shot just inside the 2 point line. The Launch went to halftime trailing 5-3.

It did not take the Launch long to open the second half scoring with face-off specialist Chris Mattes surprising the Bayhawks on the half's first drive. Kieran McArdle netted an equalizer for Florida to tie the game at 5. Despite the Launch's offensive surge, the Bayhawks responded with a four goal run. Casey Powell was close to cutting Chesapeake's momentum but a penalty waved off his solo effort. The Launch entered the fourth quarter down 9-5.

The final quarter of play saw a flurry of offense from both sides as McArdle grabbed his second goal on an assist from Powell to open scoring. The Bayhawks extended their lead to 10-6 and were held scoreless on a two man advantage. The home team tallied another goal pushing their lead to 5 before Connor Buczek answered with his second of the night. One more from Chesapeake sealed the win but the Launch would not stop fighting back as Pontrello scored an unassisted goal late in the quarter. The Launch lose their first away game 12-8.

Casey Powell now leads the team with 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) and looks to keep it going in week 3. The Launch will return home to Boca Raton next Saturday, May 7, to face defending MLL Champions the New York Lizards at FAU Stadium at 7:00pm.

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Florida Launch vs. the Chesapeake Bayhawks
Florida Launch vs. the Chesapeake Bayhawks
   



Major League Lacrosse Stories from April 30, 2016


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